The South Florida Traveler » travel

Create Your Own Personal Hotspot

Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:12:34 +0000

Today was one of those days — a much awaited travel day. Yes, I woke up at 5am this morning and with my eyes half opened made my way to the Fort Lauderdale airport to head up to the snowy Midwest. Only 1 day after reading about the 10 inches of snow they just received. Lovely! Right? Although, the weather can cause quite a nuisance during the long days of travel, the thing that bothers me even more is the lack of an Internet connection in the airports. OK so they do have an Internet connection, but every airport uses a different system – Boingo, T-Mobile, Sprint, Wi-fi zone, Access Anyplace – Why can’t there be one centralized system?

Your answers are solved with the new Cradlepoint PHS300 Personal Hotspot. This device is designed to work with your cell phone whenever you are without an Internet Connection. It creates your own personal hotspot with a built in firewall. It can definitely be a lifesaver when you are trying to conduct business on the road. It’s compact and portable, and it’s the perfect travel companion. Available online for $179.99.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Best US Airports

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 18:22:50 +0000

Every year, Travel & Leisure magazine releases their survey results of the best and worst airports in America, and I thought now, right before the holidays, would be a great time to highlight these results. For most of you, if you plan on traveling during the next couple of weeks, I hope you have bought your tickets, but if not, here’s a guide to help you know what airports to avoid. As always, some Florida airports made the list. Can you guess which ones?

First of all, here’s a list of the Top 10 worst airports:

#10 (tie): Chicago-Midway with 25% of all flights delayed
#10 (tie): Atlanta
#8 (tie): JFK
#8 (tie): San Francisco
#6: Washington Dulles
#5: NY Laguardia
#4: Dallas/Fort Worth
#3: Miami
#2: Newark
#1: Chicago O’Hare with 35% of all flights delayed

and for the Top 10 Best Airports:

#10 LAX
#7 (tie): Phoenix
#7 (tie): Tampa
#7 (tie): Seattle
#3 (tie): Mpls/St. Paul
#3 (tie): Washington D.C.
#3 (tie): Oakland
#3 (tie): San Diego
#2: Portland
#1: Salt Lake City

Now what about the best and worst airlines to take (these statistics are based on on-time arrival and departure times)? US Airways, Southwest and Hawaiian airlines top the list

Photo Credit: The Shane H @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Should We Really be Charged for Using Directory Assistance?

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:02:16 +0000

I rely on my GPS all the time. Honestly, what would I do without it? Sometimes, though, the location that I’m driving to doesn’t register and I don’t feel like doing a search on my phone. There’s always 4-1-1, but I really cringe at paying that extra fee, when really – why do they have to charge you? How do they manage to stay in business when there’s free services that do the exact same thing?

Well if you don’t know about these free services already, program them in your phone now:

1-800-FREE411 (Oh, and since I hate when you are given a number with letters, because whose phone is really laid out that way anymore, here’s the correct number: 1-800-373-3411)
1-800-GOOG-411 (That’s 1-800-466-4411)

Photo Credit: Kristbjorg @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Are You Planning a Trip With Your Pet?

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:56:48 +0000

Is your pet an extension of yourself? Do you bring your pet with you on walks to the beach, to your neighborhood restaurant and to the homes of your friends and family? If this describes you, you most certainly bring your pet with you when you go on vacation. But, how do you transport your pet via plane, where do you find a place to stay? Well, your answers are solved with the website titled PetTravelCenter.com.

According to their site, they make pet travel fun and easy. They are an internet company and online community serving pet loving people everywhere. They provide a vast collection of resources on accommodations for you and your pet, dog parks, emergency hospitals and tips for traveling. In addition, they send out a newsletter to their members, post airline travel regulations, have a vet and pet relocation specialist on staff to answer burning questions (what are you to do when you need an 8-hr sedative for your dog/cat?), have an online store with much needed pet travel supplies, and you’re able to book your pet-friendly travel plans right on the website.

Happy traveling!

Photo Credit: RoBeE @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Float Your Motion Sickness Worries Away

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:06:07 +0000

I’m not usually susceptible to motion sickness, but whenever I hear those words I think back to the 1st cruise I ever took. Our first night out on the boat was, according to the staff, the worst night that the boat had ever experienced. I remember trying to walk from room to room, but struggled and instead kept running into the walls (and this was before alcohol was even a factor). Everyone was searching for that place on the boat where things were just a bit calmer. I won’t go into detail, but it wasn’t a pretty sight that evening. I would have done anything to calm down my stomach, though I wasn’t about to go get a shot like some others.

When I heard about Queasy Drops, I was like — BINGO! This would have been my answer, well everyone’s answer. Queasy Drops were originally developed for pregnant women to ease morning sickness and for those undergoing chemotherapy, but they are also extremely effective in helping deal with motion sickness. Suck on a Queasy Drop prior to leaving, and then periodically throughout the day and you will be able to enjoy every moment of your trip.

Queasy Drops come in different flavors, and even as lollipops for that child in you. They are also all-natural so you don’t have to worry about them interfering with your medications. For a list of ingredients, check out their website and go to nutritional information.

photo credit: madalena-pastana @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

The Luggage Club – Luggage Delivered to Your Door

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:42:35 +0000

Can you imagine going on vacation without having to worry about transporting your luggage? A true luxury – right? Well the increasing travel rates are causing some drastic measures by some, but is this the answer? Here’s how it works:

Place your order
Pack your bags
Have your bags picked up
Board the plane
Arrive at your destination and have your bags waiting for you

Is this the answer for you? The Luggage Club provides door to door service, it gets rid of the hassles of dealing with checking in luggage at the airport, they accept MC, Visa and AMEX, they deliver to the continental US, Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and have office internationally, they ship just about anything (golf clubs, standard luggage, business equipment, etc.) and offer next day AM, next day PM, 2 day or 3-5 day service.

Is it worth the price? I went to their website and plugged in my luggage for an upcoming trip that I’m going to be taking to Wisconsin and the price tag for one medium upright bag for round trip delivery ranges from $176.48 – $478.

Ouch! Is it worth is? This is one for you to decide, but its definitely an option. Happy flying.

Photo Credit: Laura Bell @ flickr

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Is the Price of Gas Finally Going Down?

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 14:42:23 +0000

Have you filled up on gas lately? It’s almost exciting. Well, not really, but still I was happy to see that prices have dipped below $4.00. Does that mean that we can go back to driving normally? Does that mean SUV’s will have a chance again to make it off the lot? The AAA claims that gas might drop another 25 cents a gallon by the time Labor Day comes around. I’m not holding my breath yet, but I am going to be running to the gas station. Here are a few good deals around the area:

$3.94 at the Chevron located at N. Military and Community
If you live a little further south, Sunoco at 2500 Forest Hill Blvd and Florida Mango is $3.96
$3.95 at Valero on Woolbright and Federal Highway
$3.97 at Coastal 199 NW 20th St & NW 2nd Avenue in Boca
$3.89 at the Hess on Andrews Avenue N. of Oakland Park Blvd
$3.89 at the Citgo on 7907 NW 6th Avenue

For more up to date prices, visit Miami Gas Prices. photo credit [myki @ flickr]

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

And We Just Keep on Growing.

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 11:05:00 +0000

Please welcome the latest additions to the b5media community:

Travel Product Guide:Bringing you the latest in travel products on the market to help in your travels.

Jackie takes you on a tour of Phoenix, bringing you a guide on what to do and places to go in The Phoenix Traveler.

Jon takes you on a tour of the world through photos on Travel Photo Daily.

Take a minute to check them out today. Photo Credit: b5media

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

The Morikami Museum

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 05:12:13 +0000

The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens was developed in 1977. Ever since that time, it has been a center for Japanese art and culture in South Florida. Along with rotating exhibitions, tea ceremonies, and an educational outreach program, The Morikami is home to many Japanese festivals including The Bon Festival which will take place on August 9th.The Bon Festival celebrates Obon, Japan’s traditional 3-day holiday honoring ancestors and thanking for the high quality of life being enjoyed by the living. This festival takes place on one evening and includes drum performances, traditional Japanese folk dancing, and a street fair. At sunset, the Morikami Pond is filled with lighted lanterns which guide the departure of the ancestors’ souls away. Attendees can purchase lantern sleeves for the Toro Nagashi, or the lantern floating, to honor a lost loved one.

The Bon Festival takes place on Saturday, August 9th from 5:00 9:00 pm. Tickets are $10, $5 for children (7-17) and free for museum members and children 6 and under.

Post from: The South Florida Traveler

Travel Deals Around the Network

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 14:50:02 +0000

Does the economy have you down? Are you planning on staying home this summer due to the rising gas costs? Or are you shortening the length of your trip or staying closer to home? We at b5media have been throwing some ideas and opinions around about how to have a “travel happy” summer.

Mary Jo posted at Fly Away Cafe about how the increase in airfare is affecting travel plans this summer.
Apryl writes about “Hot” Deals for “Cool” Summer Vacations at Southern Byways.
Ruth writes about getting the best cruise deals at Let’s Visit Asia.
Chandra posted about getting help with gas prices at The Boston Traveler.
While Lauren blogs about 10 free ways to spend a day in Sydney at The Sydney Traveler.
Also, be sure to check out travelzoo.com as they offer some great deals for all sorts of travel.

Whether you plan on staying close to home or are flying to some far away place, take a minute to check out these deals and you’ll likely save a few bucks. Photo Credit [John Wardell @ flickr]

Post from: The South Florida Traveler